Seahawks sign defensive backs Jordan Simone and Marcus Cromartie

The Seattle Seahawks signed two defensive backs on Wednesday, adding rookie free agent Jordan Simone and veteran Marcus Cromartie. To make room on the 90-man roster, the Seahawks released running back Troymaine Pope and wide receiver Speedy Noil.

Simone went to local Skyline High School and was a promising defensive back at Arizona State University before two knee injuries ended his college career prematurely and threatened his professional career as well. After taking a year off, Simone walked into Seahawks rookie camp and impressed coaches enough to earn himself a spot on the roster.

While he may not figure into the regular rotation, this news is still a dream come true for Simone, who a year ago was working as a medical salesman while recovering from offseason knee surgery.

“It just ultimately came down to the fact that I still feel like I can play,” Simone said after getting an opportunity at the Seahawks minicamp. “I feel like I can play in the league, and I always have.”

A University of Wisconsin product, Cromartie went undrafted before signing with the Chargers in 2013. He spent the last three years with the 49ers, appearing in 21 games and logging 16 tackles and one fumble recovery. Cromartie signed with the Bills in April before his release May 11.

Troymaine Pope played in four games last season, three with Seattle, and had 12 carries for 44 yards and one catch for five yards. With the additions of free agents Eddie Lacy and Mike Davis as well as rookies Chris Carson and Algernon Brown, Pope was the odd man out.